Project: Tiny Grandeur Apartment
Architecture: llabb Architettura
Location: Genoa, Italy
Year: 2024
Photo Credits: Anna Positano, Gaia Cambiaggi | Studio Campo
Tiny Grandeur Apartment transforms a modest section of a grand 19th-century palace in the historic center of Genoa, Italy. Concealed within the elegant halls of an ancient family palace that overlooks Piazza di San Giorgio, this compact home redefines urban living for its young owners while paying homage to its illustrious past.
Reclaiming Historic Space
Originally, the palace featured vast halls with high ceilings and oversized windows—a stark contrast to today’s dense urban fabric. In this project, llabb Architettura, led by Federico Robbiano and Luca Scardulla, took over two-thirds of a former hall. Before the renovation, the space comprised three windowed rooms, a closed-off bathroom, and an attic reached by a narrow staircase. The architects began by demolishing the attic and interior partitions, which transformed the original 3.3-meter ceiling into a soaring 4.7 meters. Consequently, they reconnected a double row of three windows—one of which had been previously walled up—unveiling a captivating view of the ancient market square and the domed silhouettes of San Giorgio and San Torpete.
Merging Heritage with Modern Needs
The design reflects a delicate balance between preserving historical character and meeting contemporary requirements. The young owners, a communication expert paired with a digital strategist and a photography festival curator, needed ample storage for books, catalogs, and artworks, along with flexible spaces for hosting friends and working from home. To achieve this, the team maintained the existing partitions in the entry area opposite the large windows facing the square. There, they positioned the bedroom, pantry, and bathroom, crowned by a mezzanine crafted from okoumé plywood with varying heights. This approach not only honored the building’s heritage but also created a compressed entry corridor that dramatically opens into a vast, double-height living area.
An Abundance of Natural Light and Functional Design
Moving further into the apartment, the expansive living area immediately impresses with its brightness and spacious feel. The design thoughtfully incorporates three generous windows that bathe the southeast and southwest walls in natural light, drawing the eye toward the impressive nearly four-meter-high window that frames the dome of the Church of San Giorgio. Here, the kitchen, dining area, and a versatile living room—also suitable as a workspace—are arranged to maximize connectivity and flow.
In a clever twist, a custom-designed wall library runs along one of the exterior walls. This library, divided by rhythmic floor-to-ceiling uprights, houses the lower portion of the kitchen. An aluminum track ladder not only provides easy access to higher shelves but also facilitates routine maintenance of the large windows, ensuring that the views remain uninterrupted.
Harmonizing Old and New
Throughout the renovation, every detail has been carefully considered to bridge the gap between the building’s storied past and the demands of modern living. By preserving historic elements and introducing innovative design solutions, Tiny Grandeur Apartment creates a dialogue between eras. The result is a living space that honors Genoa’s rich architectural legacy while offering a practical, light-filled, and versatile home for its owners.
Tiny Grandeur Apartment stands as an inspiring example of how thoughtful design can transform even the most modest spaces into a harmonious blend of history and contemporary living.
